- Data collection has been and continues to be carried out on a few very particular aspects of recent heritage in Argyll, such as deserted settlements and railway signal boxes, but there have been few attempts to fill the gaps since the RCAHMS Argyll volumes. There is a need to identify new areas of research and attract funding.
- There has been no synthesis to put the above data collection work into context (for example, see Rathlin Island by Forsythe and McConkey 2012). A synthesis of this work needs to be put in place for Argyll.
- Interrogation of survey field notes for descriptions of Modern Period features and sites (for example Campbell and Sandeman's field survey notes)
- The extent of private archives is not well known so there is the potential for material to be currently unavailable to researchers. The value of archives could be better advertised and attract more attention and funding.
- The condition of private archives are also unknown. Private archives could contain items important and relevant to this period, which if left unprotected could suffer damage or loss.
- Encourage more collaborative and interdisciplinary research, for example, climate change involves geology, geomorphology, archaeology, history and archaeobotany.
- Attract funding by showing the relevance of research to modern society (for example, sustainable food production, traditional technology, history and politics, cultural connections with Ireland).
- Adopt more of a landscape approach to survey work
- Promote the application of modern digital techniques, for example GIS and LIDAR, to landscape studies.
- How was material culture used to display clan membership and loyalties?
- How was 'family' understood in the 17th and 18th century and how did this relate to the operation of joint tenancy farms and the clan system?
- How were women recognised during this period and what were their experiences?
- What factors led to the de-Industrialisation of Argyll.
- Explore the introduction of Industrial pottery to the west of Scotland.
- Pull together what we know of the marine and maritime evidence we have for this period and identify gaps for further research.